Universal Truckload Expects 1Q Profit to Decline

Universal Truckload Services Inc. said it expects its first-quarter earnings to be in the range of 23 to 27 cents per share, down from 38 cents a share in the same quarter last year.

The asset-light truckload carrier and logistics provider also said it expects total revenue for the quarter to be within $273 million and $282 million, compared with $248.1 million a year earlier.

The company said its outlook reflects “weather-related operating challenges and changes in certain value-added services operations.” It also includes the financial performance of Westport Axle Corp., a provider of assembly, machining and logistics services that UTSI acquired in December.

UTSI, which ranks No. 26 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of for-hire carriers in the United States and Canada, said it will announce final results for the quarter April 24.